bury the hatchet
Say it: BEH-ree the HATCH-it /ˌbɛri ðə ˈhætʃɪt/ · idiom
What “bury the hatchet” means
End an argument and make peace.
More precisely: To end a quarrel and make peace.
Example: “After years of silence, the brothers buried the hatchet at their dad's birthday.”
When to use it
When people decide to stop quarrelling and repair their relationship. Informal, with a warm sense of reconciliation.
Similar words
make peace, make up, reconcile
Where it comes from
From a Native American custom of burying weapons when making peace.
Quick check
After months of arguing about parking, two neighbours shake hands and agree to start fresh. Which phrase fits?
agree to disagree or bury the hatchet?
Show the answer
bury the hatchet
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